On 24 July 2023, through donations and employee fundraising, £247,000 was raised for Samaritans to help ensure their services remain available to those in need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sadly, the construction industry has one of the highest rates of suicide, with two construction workers dying every work day. Samaritans aim to ensure that every call for help is answered, and this fantastic amount of money raised could help Samaritans answer 49,400 calls for help via phone or email.
People call Samaritans for a variety of reasons, and every call is unique. People might call to discuss money and employment worries, family problems or relationship breakdown, loss, bereavement, mental health troubles and thoughts of suicide.
The 24/7 campaign was launched in April 2022 and saw projects and offices drive fundraising activities such as:
- A supply chain walk and talk event.
- The executive team walking 247km over six weekends.
- Quiz nights and raffles.
- RideLondon cycle challenge.
- Colleagues participating in the London Marathon and Great North Run.
- Colleagues participating in the 'walk 50 miles with your dog'.
- Coronation-themed office parties.
“We have been overwhelmed by the support of Costain employees across the Group. This latest fundraising campaign to raise £247,000 is a huge achievement and will have a massive impact on our ability to recruit more volunteers and answer calls from people struggling to cope.”
Julie Bentley Samaritans CEO
“There was one evening things got way too much, I’d had enough, I just wanted to go somewhere, anywhere. And then I phoned Samaritans. I’m here today because Samaritans was there to listen.”
Bella Samaritans caller